Altered expression of TFFs in saliva and gingival tissues was detected in patients with CP. The results suggest that TFF3 may be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.

Previously established ELISA assays can be employed for measurement of trefoil peptides in saliva and cervical mucus. TFF3 was the predominant trefoil peptide in both saliva and cervical mucus, and TFF3 in cervical mucus represents the highest concentration measured in a biological fluid to date.

These findings suggest the clinical significance of TFF2 and TFF3 molecules as negative markers of tumor progression in OSCC. Quantification of TFF levels in saliva may not be optimal in terms of diagnostic or predictive value for OSCC derived from oral mucosa.

Introduction The viscoelastic properties of the cervical mucus plug are considered essential for the occlusion of the cervical canal and thereby for protection against ascending infections during pregnancy. Factors controlling this property are virtually unknown. This study explores a possible role of trefoil factor peptides 1, 2 and 3 (TFF1–3); peptides believed to influence mucus viscosity. Material and methods The study is based on spontaneously shed cervical mucus plugs from 14 women in active labor. The viscoelastic properties; the elastic modulus (G') and the viscous modulus (G”) were determined by an oscillatory rheometer. The concentrations of TFF1–3 were measured by an in‐house enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Associations were analyzed by random‐effects generalized least‐squares regression analyses. Results Median (range) concentrations of TFF1, TFF2 and TFF3 were 3.1 (1.2–8.6), 1.1 (<0.006–3.7) and 1000 (170–5300) nmol/g cervical mucus plug, respectively. The TFF3 concentration was associated with G' (regression coefficient 11.7 Pa/Log nm; 95% CI 3.0–20.4, p = 0.009) and G” (regression coefficient 3.2 Pa/Log nm; 95% CI 1.5–5.0, p < 0.001). Conclusion We suggest that TFF3 plays a role in the viscoelastic properties of the cervical mucus plug.

The trefoil factor family (TFF) peptides TFF1, TFF2, and TFF3 are produced and secreted by mucous membranes throughout the body. Their importance for the protection and repair of epithelial surfaces is well established, and the three peptides are present in various amounts in mucosal secretions as well as in the circulation. They have been linked to both inflammatory diseases and to various types of cancer, and serum concentrations of TFF3 show a more than 47-fold increase during pregnancy. Several both commercial and in-house immunoassays exist, but a number of methodological issues remain unresolved. This review describes methodological challenges in the measurement of the peptides in humans, and summarizes current knowledge concerning the occurrence and possible significance of the peptides in human health and disease.